Rebecca Barnes
Storyteller, Travel Enthusiast, DMO Best Friend
Davenport, Florida, United States
Actions
Rebecca Barnes is a seasoned storyteller, publisher, and destination marketing expert with over 30 years of experience turning communities into compelling brands. As CEO of Imagine, a creative agency specializing in tourism marketing, author and publisher of destination lifestyle magazines, Rebecca has helped destinations—from heritage trails to wedding venues—craft narratives that resonate and drive results. Her work blends strategic insight with heart-centered storytelling, empowering destinations to connect with visitors on a deeper level. A dynamic speaker and lifelong advocate for meaningful travel, Rebecca shows tourism professionals how to go beyond the brochure and tell stories that leave a lasting impact.
Area of Expertise
Topics
Once Upon a Destination: Storytelling That Captivates and Converts
Once upon a time, destinations competed on price, deals, and pretty pictures. Today, the most successful tourism brands win by telling irresistible stories—ones that build emotional connections, earn loyalty, and inspire action. In this engaging session, Rebecca Barnes, CEO of Imagine, Author and publisher of several destination magazines, shares how you can transform your destination into a story-driven brand that visitors want to be part of.
Whether you’re marketing a major metro or a small-town getaway, Rebecca will walk you through how to uncover your unique stories, amplify them across platforms, and use them to increase awareness, engagement, and visitation. With real-world examples and creative strategies, this session will empower attendees to stop chasing algorithms—and start creating stories that stick.
Business Leadership Workshop Series
Be Known, Be Trusted
Cut Through the Noise. Speak with Purpose. Lead with Trust.
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Virtual via Zoom
Presented by Leadership Prince William
Sponsored by Prince William County Department of Economic Development
If you’re running a business, building a brand, or leading a cause, visibility alone isn’t enough.
You need to be remembered. Respected. Referred.
You need to be known—and more importantly—trusted.
Join Rebecca Barnes, a trusted voice in business, publishing, and community leadership, for a no-fluff, high-impact workshop built to help you sharpen your message and grow your influence. Whether you’re pitching investors, posting online, or sitting across from a potential client, your story should work as hard as you do.
This workshop isn’t just theory—it’s strategy with teeth. You’ll leave with a game plan, a stronger voice, and a clearer understanding of who you’re here to reach and why it matters.
What You’ll Learn:
Crafting an elevator pitch that actually lands
Getting laser-focused on your ideal audience—and how to reach them
Saying “no” with confidence when it’s not aligned
Telling your story in a way that builds credibility and connection
Showing up with purpose—without burning out in the process
Who It’s For:
Entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and small business owners
Women growing something big (or getting ready to)
Nonprofit and community leaders with a message to share
Professionals ready to lead with authenticity, not just ambition
Anyone tired of doing “all the things” and still feeling invisible
What Makes It Different:
Along with Rebecca’s insights and frameworks, you’ll get hands-on with breakout sessions led by Amanda Baity of Semper K9—an LPW alumna who knows how to turn strategy into action in the real world.
This is more than a webinar. It’s a working session. Come ready to think, speak, write, reflect—and leave stronger.
Influential Women Awards
The Prince William Living Influential Women Awards is an annual celebration honoring five outstanding women who have made a significant impact in the Greater Prince William community through leadership, service, and dedication across sectors like business, healthcare, education, nonprofit, and public service. Hosted each March during Women’s History Month, the event brings together community leaders, family, and friends for an inspiring evening of recognition, networking, and celebration. Through public nominations and a panel selection process, the awards shine a spotlight on the women who are making a difference and inspiring others to lead with purpose.
Weddy Awards Ceremony
The Brides & Weddings Weddy Awards are a coveted reader‑choice accolade presented annually by Brides & Weddings magazine to honor outstanding wedding vendors across a wide range of categories. From florists and planners to photo booths and venues, these awards recognize excellence through public voting and editorial selection, celebrating those who go above and beyond to make wedding days unforgettable
Please note that Sessionize is not responsible for the accuracy or validity of the data provided by speakers. If you suspect this profile to be fake or spam, please let us know.
Jump to top